Subject: Bug with cool “fake” eyes
Geographic location of the bug: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Date: 06/04/2019
Time: 11:21 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Dear Bugman,
This bug has been hanging out on the drop ceiling in my office going on two days now. From a distance I assumed it would be a roach, but was pleasantly surprised on closer inspection. This bug is about 5 cm long.
How you want your letter signed: Curious Veterinarian
Dear Curious Veterinarian,
The Eyed Elater, the largest Click Beetle in North America, has very effective protective mimicry. The false eyespots on the Eyed Elater are thought to deter predators like birds that will pass up a nutritious meal after perceiving that it might be a predator like a snake rather than a tasty morsel.